By Dr Muhammad Khusairy Capt Bakri

In a world grappling with the environmental consequences of rapid industrialisation and population growth, the imperative to embrace sustainable practices has become more urgent than ever. As concerns about climate change, resource depletion, and pollution mount, businesses and industries are increasingly turning to the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) to guide their operations toward a more sustainable and responsible future.

One sector where ESG principles are making significant strides is wastewater treatment, a critical aspect of environmental stewardship often overlooked by the public. Traditionally, wastewater treatment has been energy-intensive and reliant on chemicals, contributing to its own set of environmental challenges. However, a paradigm shift is underway as innovators explore the potential of using waste materials to revolutionise the wastewater treatment process, aligning with ESG goals and offering a glimpse into a more sustainable future.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have emerged as essential factors for businesses aiming to balance profit with ethical, environmental, and social responsibility. Wastewater treatment, a domain crucial for preserving water resources and preventing pollution, is finding itself under the ESG spotlight. Companies are realising that embracing sustainable wastewater treatment practices not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also brings economic benefits and fosters goodwill in the community.

One of the primary environmental challenges associated with traditional wastewater treatment is its substantial carbon footprint. Conventional treatment methods often involve the extensive use of energy and chemicals, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change. The integration of waste materials into the treatment process offers a promising avenue for reducing this environmental impact.

Innovative approaches

Innovative approaches are leveraging organic waste materials, such as agricultural residues, food waste, and even certain industrial by-products, to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. The use of these waste materials can serve multiple purposes, from providing alternative energy sources to promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms that aid in the treatment process.

Studies have shown that integrating organic waste materials into wastewater treatment can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to conventional methods. This not only mitigates the carbon footprint associated with treatment plants but also aligns with ESG objectives focused on minimising environmental harm.

The social dimension of ESG emphasises a company’s responsibility to its community and the broader society. In the context of wastewater treatment, this involves not only minimising the impact on local communities but actively engaging with them and addressing their concerns.

One notable benefit of incorporating waste materials in wastewater treatment is the potential to create a closed-loop system that benefits local communities. By sourcing organic waste locally, treatment plants can contribute to regional waste management strategies and create economic opportunities. For example, partnerships with local farmers for the supply of agricultural residues can strengthen ties between the treatment facility and the community.

Moreover, by adopting more sustainable practices, wastewater treatment plants can positively influence the health and well-being of nearby residents. Traditional treatment methods often involve the use of chemicals that may pose health risks if not managed properly. Utilising organic waste materials tends to be less reliant on such chemicals, reducing the potential negative health impacts on surrounding communities.

The governance pillar of ESG emphasises the importance of effective management and oversight within organisations. In the context of wastewater treatment, this involves efficient resource management, adherence to regulations, and transparency in operations.

The integration of waste materials into wastewater treatment aligns with the principles of efficient resource management. Rather than viewing waste as a burden, it becomes a valuable resource that can enhance the treatment process. This approach not only reduces the need for external inputs but also contributes to cost savings, aligning with governance objectives of optimising operations for long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, the use of waste materials in wastewater treatment can aid in regulatory compliance. Stricter environmental regulations often drive the need for cleaner and more sustainable practices. Companies that proactively adopt innovative approaches to wastewater treatment, rooted in the use of waste materials, position themselves as leaders in compliance and contribute to the broader goal of environmental protection.

Phytoremediation

Several innovative technologies are at the forefront of leveraging waste materials for wastewater treatment, showcasing the practical application of ESG principles in this critical domain.

Phytoremediation, the use of plants to clean up pollutants in water, soil, and air, is gaining traction as a sustainable wastewater treatment method. Certain plants can absorb and accumulate contaminants from water, effectively purifying it.

Constructed wetlands, a form of phytoremediation, utilise carefully selected plants to treat wastewater. These plants, often native species, uptake pollutants as part of their natural growth process. By strategically designing wetland systems, companies can create efficient and aesthetically pleasing treatment facilities that align with ESG goals.

A key advantage of phytoremediation is its low energy requirements. Unlike traditional treatment methods that rely heavily on mechanical processes, plants perform the work naturally through photosynthesis and microbial interactions. This not only reduces energy consumption but also aligns with the social responsibility aspect of ESG by minimising the impact on local communities.

Harnessing bioenergy from organic waste materials

Another promising avenue in sustainable wastewater treatment involves harnessing bioenergy from organic waste materials. Anaerobic digestion, a biological process that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, produces biogas that can be used as a renewable energy source.

Wastewater treatment plants can integrate anaerobic digestion systems to process organic waste alongside traditional treatment methods. This dual-purpose approach not only treats wastewater effectively but also generates clean energy in the form of biogas. The captured biogas can be used to power the treatment plant, offsetting its energy needs and contributing to a circular economy.

The governance pillar of ESG is reinforced through the efficient resource management inherent in bioenergy production. By utilising organic waste for both treatment and energy generation, companies exemplify responsible governance by maximizing the value extracted from available resources.

Algae, often seen as a nuisance in water bodies, can be harnessed as a powerful tool for wastewater treatment. Algae have a natural ability to absorb nutrients and pollutants from water, making them effective in nutrient removal and overall water purification.

Innovative systems, such as algae bioreactors, integrate algae into the wastewater treatment process. These systems provide a controlled environment for algae to thrive while simultaneously treating the water. The algae absorb nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are common pollutants in wastewater, promoting cleaner water discharge.

Algae-based treatment aligns with ESG principles by minimising the need for chemical interventions and energy-intensive processes. Moreover, the use of algae as a natural treatment agent contributes to social responsibility by fostering a cleaner and healthier environment for surrounding communities.

Challenges

While the integration of waste materials into wastewater treatment holds immense promise, it is not without challenges. Navigating the path to sustainable wastewater treatment requires addressing technical, economic, and regulatory considerations.

Scaling up innovative technologies from pilot projects to full-scale implementation poses a significant technical challenge. What works in a controlled environment or a small-scale demonstration may encounter unforeseen issues when applied to larger, real-world scenarios. Engineers and scientists need to continuously refine and optimise these technologies to ensure their effectiveness at scale.

Integration with existing infrastructure is another technical hurdle. Wastewater treatment plants are complex systems with established processes. Introducing new technologies must be done seamlessly to avoid disruptions and ensure the continuous, reliable treatment of wastewater.

One of the primary considerations for businesses embracing sustainable wastewater treatment practices is the economic viability of these approaches. While the long-term benefits, including reduced operational costs and enhanced environmental performance, are evident, the initial investment required for adopting innovative technologies can be substantial.

Companies must carefully weigh the short-term costs against the long-term gains and consider available financial incentives and government support. Communicating the economic benefits to stakeholders, including investors and consumers, is crucial for garnering support for sustainable wastewater treatment initiatives.

Adherence to environmental regulations is a cornerstone of responsible governance within the ESG framework. As wastewater treatment technologies evolve, regulatory frameworks must keep pace to ensure that new methods meet or exceed environmental standards.

Navigating compliance requires collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and technology developers. Establishing clear guidelines and standards for the implementation of innovative wastewater treatment technologies will provide a roadmap for businesses looking to align with ESG principles.

Sustainable wastewater treatment practices

Several companies and municipalities are already leading the way in adopting sustainable wastewater treatment practices, showcasing the feasibility and benefits of integrating waste materials into the process.

The Oslo Fjord Alliance in Norway has implemented an innovative approach to nutrient removal using seaweed. By strategically cultivating and harvesting seaweed in designated areas, the alliance addresses the issue of nutrient overloading in the fjord. The harvested seaweed not only serves as a natural nutrient absorber but also has the potential for various applications, including bioenergy production and sustainable agriculture.

The project aligns with ESG principles by promoting environmental conservation, engaging with the local community, and showcasing effective governance in managing natural resources.

A wastewater treatment plant in California has embraced the concept of energy-positive operations by integrating anaerobic digestion and solar power. The plant utilises organic waste, including food waste from local businesses, to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion. The captured biogas is then used to generate electricity, making the treatment plant energy-positive.

This initiative not only exemplifies environmental responsibility by reducing the carbon footprint but also aligns with social and governance objectives. The plant actively engages with local businesses for waste sourcing, creating economic opportunities, and adheres to stringent environmental regulations.

As the world grapples with the challenges of environmental degradation and resource depletion, the transformation of wastewater treatment practices becomes a crucial aspect of a sustainable future. The integration of waste materials into wastewater treatment aligns seamlessly with the principles of ESG, offering a pathway to environmental conservation, social responsibility, and effective governance.

The journey toward sustainable wastewater treatment is not without obstacles, but the examples set by pioneering projects and innovative technologies provide a roadmap for others to follow. As businesses, industries, and municipalities increasingly recognise the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance considerations, the paradigm shift in wastewater treatment becomes a microcosm of a broader global transition toward a more sustainable and responsible future.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Muhammad Khusairy Capt Bakri is a post-doctoral Research Associate at Composite Materials and Engineering Center, Washington State University (WSU), a faculty staff member of the Center of Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2) of North Dakota State University, United States of America, and Lead Research and Development Sector of the Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT) Sarawak.